Don’t Be Late! Holiday Shipping Deadlines for USPS, UPS and FedEx in 2024

Ding-dong! Delivery! Holiday shipping deadlines in 2024 for USPS, FedEx and UPS are fast approaching. Getting holiday gifts to friends and family far away takes a little extra planning. That means you need to pack it and get the package on its merry way by a specific deadline — depending on the delivery service, delivery option and expected arrival date. Remember, the longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to ship a package.

Graphic by: Stamps.com

Here are the shipping deadlines for 2024:

United States Postal Service (USPS) 

Recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before December 25

For Contiguous U.S. (Lower 48 States):

USPS Ground Advantage Service by Wednesday, December 18

First-Class Mail Service by Wednesday, December 18

Priority Mail Service by Thursday, December 19

Priority Mail Express Service by Saturday, December 21

For Alaska, packages need to be sent by December 18 for First-Class Mail Service and December 19 for Priority Mail Service. And December 20 for Priority Mail Express Service.

For Hawaii, packages need to be sent by December 18 for First-Class Mail Service and December 19 for Priority Mail Service. And December 20 for Priority Mail Express Service.

For more information about USPS’ holiday shipping deadlines, click here. 

FedEx 

The holiday shipping deadlines are a little more complicated at FedEx because they offer a wide variety of shipping options. Here’s a printable holiday deadline schedule.

FedEx Ground Economy by Friday, December 13

FedEx Ground 5-Day by Tuesday, December 17

FedEx Express Saver by Thursday, December 19

FedEx 2Day by Friday, December 20

FedEx First Overnight by Monday, December 23

FedEx SameDay by Tuesday, December 24

UPS – United Parcel Service

UPS Ground – Check here for time estimates.

UPS 3-Day Select by Thursday, December 19

UPS 2nd Day Air by Friday, December 20

UPS Next Day Air by Monday, December 23

For UPS’ full holiday shipping schedule, click here.

Always be sure to properly secure your package to ensure it arrives safely. Choose a strong shipping box and use lots of tape and packing materials.